Choking

Dogs are like babies – everything goes in their mouths.  They chew on toys, bones and sticks.  They pick up anything and everything they find lying on the floor or in the yard.  You cannot watch your dog 24/7. 

 

What would you do if your dog started to choke?  Give them a couple of minutes to dislodge the object themselves.  They may be able to cough it up without your help.  However, if your dog is pawing at its face and struggling to get air, there are a few things you can do yourself to help dislodge the object:

1.      Look in your dog’s mouth to see if the object is visible. If so, try reaching in with your fingers and pull it out.

2.     For smaller dogs, lift them by their hind legs off the ground and give them a few quick shakes.

3.     For larger dogs, basically do the same thing but keep the front legs on the ground and lift the back legs.  Make sure the head is pointed downwards and give the dog a few good shakes.

4.     The Heimlich Maneuver can be performed on dogs (and cats too!).  Again, make sure your dog’s head is pointed downwards. 

    Stand behind your dog and put one fist against the soft spot on its abdomen just below its rib cage.  Take your other hand and place it over your fist and push inwards and upwards a few times. Do this firmly but not too hard.

Here is a video that demonstrates all of these methods:

Once you have removed the object and your dog is still not breathing then begin artificial respiration and if it has no pulse CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). Seek immediate medical attention.

Artificial Respiration for Dogs:

1.     Lay your dog on his right side on a flat, hard surface.

2.     Straighten out your dog’s neck.

3.     For a small dog, place your mouth around his nose and mouth, or just cup one hand around his muzzle and mouth to keep it shut and put your mouth completely around his nose.

4.     Begin to blow air gently into his nose until you see your dog’s chest rise or expand.

5.     Wait for the air to expel and then repeat blowing air back into your dog’s nose (one every three seconds).

6.     Once normal breathing begins, stop.

CPR for Dogs:

1.     Kneel down next to your dog with your arms extended out over him, cupping one hand on top of the other.

2.     Place your hands on your dog’s ribs just where his elbows meet his chest.

3.     Compress an inch and release quickly, about two compressions a second.

4.     After 15 compressions, lean forward and blow air into your dog’s nose using the respiratory assist method above.

5.     Continue alternating between each every 15 compressions to 2 rescue breaths, until your dog’s breathing and heartbeat return.

6.     Once your dog is breathing on his own, call your vet.  You will want him to examine your dog to be sure your dog suffered no internal injuries.

Here is an excellent video to demonstrate how to perform Artificial Respiration and CPR on your dog.

Remember, these techniques will work on cats, too!

Are Rawhide Chews Safe for Dogs?

One question that has been asked frequently is whether or not rawhide chews are safe to give to your dog. 

When giving your dog any type of chew bone it is always a good idea to monitor him while he has the treat.  Many dogs will tear off big chunks of the rawhide and swallow it, causing blockages in their intestinal tract.  Other dogs, like my pug  Hu-Mi, are gulpers and basically inhale anything put in front of them.  

Choking is another concern when giving rawhide and another reason to watch your dog while he enjoys his treat.

Rawhide dog chews are dried hypodermic interstitial tissue (second layer of the skin) from cattle raised for meat production. This hypodermic interstitial tissue is quite tough yet flexible, due to collagen fibers that link.

During processing the animal's skin is split into inner and outer layers. The tougher outer layer is used for leather shoes, garments, and upholstery, while the softer inner layer is cut and formed into different shapes for dog chews.

The first step in making rawhide chews is transportation of animal's hide to processing plants where it is split, washed with degreasers and detergents, and cleaned. The completely clean rawhide is then sterilized in hydrogen peroxide at the required temperature for the required amount of time. This also has a desired side effect of making the rawhide the yellow-white color with which you are familiar.

Every year, untold numbers of dogs suffer from a variety of digestive issues as a result of consuming rawhide. Not only that, but frequently rawhide is preserved with harmful chemicals.

Life’s Abundance has developed a line of chew treats made using pork products, which are much easier on your dog’s entire digestive system and are free from potentially harmful chemicals. Our pork treats are guaranteed to be safe and your dogs will love them!

Porky Puffs , our delicious pig snouts, are packed with high quality protein.  These chewable treats are non-greasy and contain no chemical preservatives or flavors and are easily digestible. They have no artificial colors, so you won’t have to worry about hard-to-remove stains in your carpet!

Here's a picture of one of my own dogs, Easter, enjoying Porky Puffs:

    

Porkhide Bones are a safe and healthy alternative to rawhide treats. Rawhides are cured with harsh chemicals (like ash-lye solutions and bleach).  

Our Porkhide Bones are gourmet chew treats made with 100% natural pork skin and have a lasting, mouth-watering flavor your dog will love! These yummy treats are naturally high in protein, low in fat and are highly digestible. 

The shape of the bone fits inside the mouth for maximum contact, which helps promote healthy teeth and gums. They come in sizes for small, medium and large dogs.  They are safe for dogs of all ages. Your dog will love these safe, healthy and yummy treats! 

These and all of Life’s Abundance’s delicious products are uniquely formulated by our company veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks, to support good health through wholesome and nutritious ingredients.

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